Philippines vs Puerto Rico: The next rivalry

Admin Posts : 218 Join date : 2009-06-25

Philippines vs Puerto Rico: The next rivalry :boxer:

Manny Pacquiao’s exploits against Mexican boxers for the past six years ignited a riveting rivalry and a boxing “World Cup” match-up. Now, another rivalry is fast shaping up as Filipino boxers continue to challenge reigning Puerto Rican world champions.

WBO world super flyweight champion Jose “Carita” Lopez (39-7-2, 32 KOs) of Puerto Rico will make his first title defense against Filipino Marvin Sonsona (13-0, 12 KOs) on Sept. 4 at the Casino Rama, in Rama, Ontario, Canada.

Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon, the WBO light flyweight world champion (32-0-1, 6 KOs) will then face Rodel Mayol (25-3-1, 19 KOs) in a rematch from their technical draw last June at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico on Sept. 12.

Then there is the much anticipated battle between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14.

Sonsona vs. Lopez is an intriguing match-up of youth vs experience. A 19 year old second year pro against a 37 year old veteran.

Trainer Nonito Donaire, Sr. has been tapped to handle Sonsona with trainer Jun Agrabio. Donaire will leave Cebu for Manila this Wednesday to join Marvin’s training camp in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, Mayol will try to avoid another heart break. This is his fourth attempt at a world title. He was almost there last June but cuts on Calderon’s forehead inflicted by head butts interrupted the action and lea to the stoppage of the fight. The final score line became a subject of debate here in the Philippines as many local boxing pundits thought Mayol did enough to win.

The Pacquiao-Cotto match up continues to fill the local sports pages because of the debates on whether it should be a title fight or not and the proposed catch-weight. Puerto Rico is a genuine boxing powerhouse, having produced legendary champions like Carlos Ortiz, Wilfredo Gomez, Wilfred Benitez and Felix Trinidad.

Last April 2009, Gerry Penalosa lost to Puerto Rican Juan Manuel Lopez in his bid to win a third world title. Can Sonsona, Mayol and Pacquiao turn things around for the Philippines?

Posts : 156 Join date : 2009-07-13

Mexico was loss between Phil vs. Mexico and the Puerto Rico will be next...

i heard a lot from Mexico fighters but not so much from PR.,

i guess this will flood money for the Philppines ^^,.

after sa game ni pacman, magretire na siya?

Posts : 156 Join date : 2009-07-13

@inVAsion...

possibly not..
he's on his climax and possibly, if he will won this upcoming election...
but maybe not..

Politicians have a way to make things..